Dramatic Battle Northern Ireland 2009

This month of August had me travelling up to Northern Ireland to take part in Dramatic Battle Northern Ireland 2009. The competition itself had three games: Blazblue, Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter III: Third Strike. All winners on the day would have their entry fees into Super Versus Battle (which takes place this month on the 11th 12th and 13th), as well as their competition fees paid for them.

While my Street Fighting skills are not the sharpest, I thought I should at least go up and support the cross border scene that has developeed between the border of both Irelands. I was not alone as six of us formed a travel group to the North. Arriving at Queen’s University Belfast, we were just in time to see the ending of Blazblue. However our minds were more focused on the main event of the day Street Fighter IV; there were an estimated 30 entries and they certainly weren’t short of talent.

Unfortunately for yours truly, I was only able to win one out of three matches. However I did learn a large amount based on the mistakes I made during the game and since then developed much more as a player of Bison. So next time, I’ll be able to perform a Devil’s Reverse instead of a Psycho Crusher! (Scrub City featuring me)

As it went on three out of our six managed to proceed to the next round. Two of them were knocked out due to some excellent talent in the shape of some of Northern Ireland’s best players, however through all the hardship one of our group made it to the finals! Whilst he was able to roll his Viper right to the final, the subsequent winner, (going by the name Chuu) played a very skilled Blanka and it will be very interesting to see how he performs over in Super Versus Battle!

Overall it is was a success. The hall used was open and never felt stuffy. Equipment, as far as I’m aware, never had any faults (take that EVO!) and our hosts were nothing but welcoming the whole day. A big thank you the organisers and crew for our invites and no doubt this will be my first write up of many about great hosted events from the Northern Irish fighting scene!